Update on the fatal accident this morning in Venice

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

vpd

On Sunday, June 22, Venice Police and Venice Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the area of Ranch Road and Rustic Road at 6:52 a.m. for a report of a vehicle submerged in the Cow Pen Slough Canal. Upon arrival, Officers and VFD personnel located a vehicle in the canal near the bridge. VFR rescue swimmers entered the water and located one person inside the vehicle. Due to environmental hazards (fluids and alligators), the rescue swimmers were recalled and a Dive Team call-out was initiated.

Evidence indicates a red Ford Ranger was traveling westbound on Rustic Road at a high rate of speed when it left the roadway, striking an FPL pole, and coming to rest inverted in the canal.

After FWC removed two large alligators from the area, Venice divers assisted by Sarasota County Sheriff’s Special Ops conducted an assessment of the vehicle, confirming one entrapped deceased male.

Upon the arrival of a specialty commercial tow truck and the District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office, Venice divers facilitated the hoisting of the truck from the canal. The decedent was identified as Fredy Chavez Sanchez, 19. Next of kin has been notified. The investigation is ongoing.